Like the Marmot PreCip Eco and REI Co-op Rainier above, the TNF features a 2.5-layer construction (in this case, their in-house DryVent design), pit zips for ventilation, and an adjustable hood. One downside is that the interior fabric isn't as soft to the touch as a true 3-layer (some consider it slippery or plasticky), but we've seen improvements with recent models. The big news is the stretchy 2.5-layer construction, which offers greater comfort than a standard rain jacket like the REI Rainier above. For those who value reflective detail, The North Face made a point to add reflective features on the front and back of the jacket. Category: Hiking/performanceWeight: 10.6 oz.Waterproofing: 3L Gore-TexWhat we like: Premium weather protection alongside a casual feature set.What we dont: Relatively thin, no pit zips or helmet-compatible hood. Need to go fast and light? Having an adjustable hem at the base of your jacket lets you secure it nice and tight so it won't ride up during movement. Not just yet. Your camp mates insist on hiking downwind of you. Cotopaxi gives it a 10K waterproof rating, which generally correlates to only light protection against moisture. ", 42F and dumping rain, running alongside the creek and Juniper Pines in the Eastern Sierra in The North Face Lightriser. All of the jackets in our review have fully-lined pockets with the exception of the Marmot PreCip Eco, which features mesh-lined pockets. PROS: Affordable, durable, high-quality construction, pockets, pit-zips CONS: A bit heavy/bulky for backcountry trips BOTTOM LINE: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L (men's / women's) is one of our all-time favorite rain jackets because it's affordable, durable, and has a great fit.While it's not as lightweight and compressible as some . Our tester in the Outdoor Research Helium II rain jacket. While the XeroDry GTX is the most premium rain jacket made by the REI-Coop brand for in both men's and women's models, its still well below $200. Thats the bonus of DWRnot only does it prevent soaking through, it also keeps Layer 2 clean enough to breathe. Take time out of your adventures to adequately dry your rain jacket after it gets wet, when you can. Fitted with pit zips and Gore-Tex Paclite technology, this is a super warm yet breathable jacket that can . Many companies dont shell out for the Gore-Tex, but rather offer rain shells built with their own proprietary materials. This compromised performance makes the $145 price tag a bit hard to swallow, especially when Columbias Watertight above costs about half as much. For $100, theres not much more you can ask for from a rain shell. CNN has a fairly detailed article on many rain jackets it tested recently. The Torrentshell 3L is indeed a 3-layer jacket that uses Patagonia's own H2No waterproofing. In general, a stretchy rain jacket will cost more than a standard shell (for example, the BD StormLine is $170 compared with the $100 Marmot PreCip Eco), but its a nice upgrade that comes with plenty of tangible benefits. If youre looking for a starter jacket or a lightweight jacket for just-in-case, the Marmot PreCip Eco will serve you well. Firstly, Patagonia is more focused on the environment than North Face. And for those who dabble in climbing or mountain sports, the shell is well equipped thanks to a helmet-compatible hood, hand pockets that are accessible over a harness or hipbelt, and a slim fit. In testing the Helium Rain, we found it remains a solid ultralight/emergency piece: The 2.5-layer build and DWR coating can handle light to moderate rainfall, the adjustable hood offers good all-around coverage, and its small packed size is ideal for activities ranging from hiking and backpacking to climbing. The rain jackets in our review range from $100 to $300, with three out of four at or below $160. It has all of the features most-often sought after in a rain jacket - including armpit zips, fully-lined hand pockets, and the ability to pack down into a pocket. Hiking-focused shells vie with those in our daily use category for the most common type of lightweight rain jacket. We test. That said, its important to manage your expectations when it comes to a rain jackets breathability and ventilation options. What We Don't: Price. We'd say many runners are fine with the Durable Water Repellent (DWR) water resistance of a running jacket (see our guide to The Best Women's Running Jackets or Best Men's Running Jackets for more on that). The North Face Venture 2 Hooded Jacket. These can reach over the top of most climbing helmets for added weather protection. $159 - $160 . The men's rain jacket weighs 10.3 ounces in a Mediumalmost double the weight of the barebones Outdoor Research Helium (see review above). Best Rain Jackets for Men: Reviews + Buyer's Guide - Treksplorer Your conditions, the expected weather, and temperatures will influence your decision on which rain jacket to choose. So while it could be that those reviewers actually got wet, it could just be that the rain jacket they were using started to wet outthat is, the outer fabric started to absorb (rather than repel) the rain. After washing, follow the manufacturers drying instructions, whether youre on that air dry or tumble dry low train. That said, velcro adjustable cuffs weigh more, so its worth thinking about what youre using the jacket for. Better yet, trail running is an immensely easy sport to get into. Read more about us. To give the best seal possible, every rain jacket that we recommend here has some sort of cinch system at the hem. The Cielo will get the job done in light rain, but in the end its one of the least capable jackets here. It is a great option for hikers and backpackers seeking a lightweight balance of features and minimalist design. These are made from a special spandex & nylon fabric that features a 4-way stretch, and, as such, provides wearers with increased freedom of movement. 3. REIs in-house line of rain shells continues to impress us when it comes to bang for your buck, and the popular Rainier is no exception. Our tester Jill loved this change, noting that she never worried about the new cuffs being too tight. For a rain jacket dedicated specifically to trail and distance running, check out Patagonia's Storm Racer Jacket ($249), which uses an innovative design that allows for access to a running vest worn beneath. We found that the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L managed to earn a rating of 9.2 from divein.com, whereas . The outdoor apparel world has seen a sizable uptick in the use of sustainable practices over the past several years, and rain jackets are no exception. Our tester, Treeline editor Naomi Hudetz, tested both versions. A couple final notes: Rab products come with a left-hand zip (which might take some getting used to), and the Downpour lacks a chest pocket. Patagonia Torrentshell 3L ($150) This high quality and breathable 3 layer raincoat limits clamminess and is versatile enough to wear all year long. The Patagonia Torrentshell is one of the most popular jackets out there, and for good reason. You also get useful backcountry features like pit zips and a stuff pocket, and its adjustable hood provides full coverage in a rainstorm. Patagonia jacket is a high-performance insulated jacket that is not only comfortable to wear but is also protective of both you and the environment.. Tack on REIs excellent warranty and a wide range of colorways and available sizes, and you get a quality rain shell for anything from city commutes to summer hiking and backpacking trips. What else is new in this model? Marmot Minimalist: 102g / 3.6oz/yd: Gore-Tex $$ Montane Ultra Tour: 437g / 15.4oz: Pertex Shield $$$ Patagonia Torrentshell Pullover: 289 g / 10.2 oz: H2No Performance Standard $ . This measurement tests both general water repellency as well as performance under pressure. If rains a more constant companion, something a little more heavy-duty like the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L (review above) would be a better bet for a lightweight rain jacket. By opening up the jacket under the arms, you can release a lot of air without sacrificing the jackets waterproof design. Make sure you think about whats best for you before you buy. There is a microfleece lining on the neck, which provides . Plus, the 2023 version has some of the most inclusive sizing of any rain jacket we considered. Sufficient weather protection in heavy rain in a variety of climates. Marmot Minimalist Rain Jacket - Men's | REI Co-op The Enlightened Equipment Visp with Pit Zips (5.3 oz) doesn't have pockets. Wash your rain jacket according to the manufacturers instructionsmost prefer it if you avoid using detergent, though something like NikWax Tech Wash helps to restore the fabric. The ultimate expression of how effective a pit zip can be is the Outdoor Research Foray II. Plus, a zipped pocket is an extra guarantee against losing your phone or snacks. Black Diamond makes another model, the men's and women's Highline Stretch, that is a little bit heavier because it's a 3-layer jacket. A jackets ability to keep you cool is greatly enhanced with the inclusion of pit zips, which we discuss further below. As always, if you can try it on before you buy, youll likely be happier. The Marmot Minimalist jacket caught my eye late last year. For years, the PreCip has been a reliable standby hiking rain jacket available in relatively inclusive sizing-and the updated Eco model reflects care for the environment, as its made of recycled materials and uses a PFC-free DWR coating (durable water repellent). Depending on what your jacket is made of and the care you put into its maintenance, it can last for years. Category: Daily use/hikingWeight: 11.6 oz.Waterproofing: 2.5L DryVentWhat we like: Another versatile rain jacket for under $100.What we dont: Falls a little short in hood design and zipper quality. The Highline sticks to BDs roots with a climbing helmet-compatible hood (its too small for a standard ski helmet) and includes useful features like pit zips, hand pockets, and a tall collar. Photo by Liz Thomas. Established more than a decade before Arc'teryx, in 1974, Marmot is one of the leading brands in the US, catering to the market of outdoor clothing and gear enthusiasts. Marmot Minimalist: REI Co-op XeroDry GTX: Marmot PreCip Eco: Water Resistance (30%) 8.0. While the weight penalty is minimal, the 3-layer H2No technology in the 100% recycled fabric offers enough additional weather resistance to impress. For a reasonable $199, that adds up to a whole lot of jacket. You can count on Patagonia to offer all this performance with 100% . We recommend buying the Stormline from REI or another retailer where returns are easy and return shipping is free. While our personal experiences are mostly backpacking experiences, were confident that these rain jackets will weather wet weather, whether youre hiking, traveling, mountain biking, trail running, fishing, or commuting. Best Rain Jackets For Hiking [And Your Guide For Choosing] Both the Marmot PreCip Eco and the Outdoor Research Helium are 2.5-layer jackets. . See our weather section for more info on this. So perhaps it will be more breathable however it will wet out much faster than the Torrentshell 3L. They have everything from rain suits to a rain poncho to an ultralight, permanently waterproof jacket. DWR repels oil, grease, water, dirt, and whatever else you encounter on your adventure. The seam-sealed DryVent 2.5L fabric is rugged . $148 AT TENTREE.COM. Everything from the REIs hood design to pocket layout and even smaller touches like mesh pockets and the Velcro covering the center zipper reminded us of the Marmot shell. REI.COM: Up to 40% Off Clearance REI Co-op Brand Winter Clothing.Shop and Save! Avoid over washing, as that can cause damage, tooyoull want to wash once every several uses. The Janji Rainrunner rain jacket is the most breathable jacket on the market while also being waterproof and durable for thru hiking and backpacking the pct. 686 Paclite Jacket. Even as technologies have advanced and full waterproof softshells have become available, they still cant compete with the waterproofing performance of a traditional rain jacket. Reasonably priced at $199, the Motive has a whole lot going for it. For more of our Outdoor Apparel recommendations, see our most popular Gear Guide stories: Sign up with your email address to receive news and updates. Full unzipped, the jacket becomes a poncho. $77 - $250 (4) Arc'teryx Squamish Hoody. Cloudflare Ray ID: 7a27a6cd5b073a7f Then we took a look at the highest review scores that these two Rain Jackets received. Look for a rain shell with a helmet compatible hood. We looked for rain jackets with a secure adjustable hood, solid waterproof seams, and good durable water repellent (DWR) coatings. The jackets hardshell-like 3-layer construction (hence the 3L in the name) is highly protective and durable, plus the interiors soft-touch tricot lining boosts comfort and limits the clammy feeling thats typical among sub-$200 rain jackets. Do be sure youre taking good care of your rain shell, as that will extend the life of the jacket, no matter the price. Customer Service Hours: Mon-Fri, 9AM - 5PM EST. Its versatility in a number of conditions--rain, wind, and hanging out--make it a smart choice if you only own one rain jacket. The jacket also is well equipped and competitively lightweight with two hand pockets, a coated front zipper, and an all-in weight of 10 ounces (for our mens medium). My Account; Shopping Cart; Checkout; Contact; Pages. Whats not to like with the Beta LT? Category: Hiking/daily useWeight: 10.9 oz.Waterproofing: 3L AscentShellWhat we like: Lightweight, breathable, and a good price.What we dont: Missing some useful features like wrist cinches and hipbelt-friendly pockets. Here in the Pacific Northwest, we know a thing or two about rain. For outdoor adventurers, access to your phones GPS and mapping apps gives confidence when navigating, especially when weather conditions make finding your way trickier. The Phantom Pull-On ($200) is Rab's latest uber-packable shell for fast-and . It is one the easiest ways to get outdoors for people of all experience levels, and simply put, any time spent on the trail has a way of soothing the Arcteryxs new Beta Jacket slots into the brands expansive collection as a premium hiking shell. . And while the Torrentshell is decidedly casual, the Calcite tacks on an alpine-helmet compatible hood, more pliable shell fabric, and a watertight front zip, making it a better choice for more technical endeavors. of reviewers. The 5 Best Rain Jackets for Women | Tested by GearLab Category: PerformanceWeight: 14.5 oz.Waterproofing: 2.5L Gore-Tex Paclite PlusWhat we like: Durable shell with premium waterproofing.What we dont: Relatively heavy and bulky. We found that the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L managed to earn a rating of 9.2 from divein.com, whereas the Marmot Minimalist Rain Jacket (Men's) got its highest, 10, score from reviewers at OutdoorGearLab. Treeline editor Naomi Hudetz hiking the Elk Crest Trail section of her Blue Mountains Trail thru-hike in the Torrentshell. If youre looking for a one-quiver rain shell for everything from hiking and backpacking to around-town use, the Beta is a strong contender. Prime Try Before You Buy. Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which means we may receive a small percentage of any purchase you make at no additional cost to you. In fact, the packable rain jacket was originally created to keep the jacket clean and the membrane free from oils and dirt that reduce breathability. Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket - Men's - Clothing - Backcountry 45. Patagonia Torrentshell and 13.9-oz. The packed sizes can vary widely for these packable shells, with the ultralights resembling a small envelope and others, like the cheaper Columbia Watertight, measuring about 3x the size. It's worth noting that nearly all premium performance jackets to make our list have a 3-layer construction.
